Hey there fellow dog lovers! Are you looking for ways to be an eco friendly dog owner? Look no further because we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make a paw-sitive impact on the environment.

As pet owners, it’s important that we do our part to protect the planet for future generations. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, but it also benefits our furry friends. After all, a healthier planet means a healthier home for our beloved pets.

In this article, we’ll cover all the ways you can be an eco friendly pet owner, from reducing your carbon paw-print to choosing sustainable pet products. So let’s get started!

Ways to Be an Eco Friendly Dog Owner

Walk Instead of Driving

One easy way to be more eco friendly is to walk or bike instead of driving when you’re out with your dog. Not only is it good exercise for both of you, but it also helps reduce your carbon emissions. Plus, your dog will love the extra time spent bonding with you and exploring the neighbourhood.

Choose Compostable Dog Poop Bags

Picking up after your dog is not only a responsible pet owner thing to do, but it’s also important for the environment. Instead of using regular plastic bags or poop bags marketed as biodegradable (biodegradable just means they are plastic), opt for compostable dog poop bags. These types of bags break down faster and don’t contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

Saving Water

Another simple way to be eco friendly is by conserving water. There are lots of simple things you can do to conserve water with your furry friend, from using a pet water fountain with a filter to disposing of water wisely and being mindful at bath time. You can even collect water from your dog’s bath to use on your garden, and consider using a DIY dog wash or ceramic pet bowls to save water.

Outdoor water fun, such as paddling pools, can also be a water-intensive activity, but you can conserve water by choosing a small size and covering it when it’s not in use. 

Or, take your dog swimming at a lake or river instead. Every little bit helps, so even making a few small changes can make a big difference in conserving water and protecting the environment. So, let’s work together to make every drop count for our pups and our planet!

Recycle Household Items Into Dog Toys

Got some old t-shirts or socks that you no longer need? Don’t throw them away! Turn them into fun DIY toys for your dog. Not only will you be repurposing items that would otherwise end up in the trash, but you’ll also be saving money on store-bought toys. It’s a win-win for both you and the planet.

Pass On Your Unloved Toys

If you have a toy that your dog no longer plays with, don’t toss it in the trash. Instead, consider passing it along to a friend with a dog or donating it to a local animal shelter. This helps reduce waste and gives a second chance to a toy that may still have some life left in it.

Choose Green Toys

When it’s time to buy new toys for your dog, look for eco friendly options. There are plenty of toy companies that use sustainable materials and eco friendly manufacturing processes. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you’ll also be supporting businesses that share your values.

Don’t Overfeed

Did you know that the production of pet food has a significant impact on the environment? By not overfeeding your dog, you can help reduce this impact. Plus, maintaining a healthy weight is good for your dog’s health.

Buy More Vegetarian and Vegan Foods

Another way to reduce the environmental impact of pet food is by choosing vegetarian or vegan options. These types of foods have a lower carbon footprint and require fewer resources to produce. Plus, there are many high-quality vegan and vegetarian pet foods available on the market today. 

Note: This isn’t an article about the merits & nutritional value of various diets for your furry friend. Just pointing out that these options (may) have a lower carbon footprint. There is science to back up most diets, so please do your research on which suits you and your dog. 

Feed Your Dog Sustainable Food

In addition to considering vegetarian and vegan options, you can also look for sustainable pet foods made from locally sourced, organic ingredients. These types of foods support local farmers and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

Recycle Your Old Pet Food Pouches

Many pet food pouches are made from foil or plastic and can’t be recycled in your regular recycling bin. However, there are programs available that allow you to recycle these types of pouches. Look for a drop-off location near you or check with your local waste management company & council to see if they offer this service.

Buy Or Make Your Own Sustainable Dog Food

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also try making your own sustainable dog food. Not only will you have control over the ingredients and sourcing, but you’ll also be reducing packaging waste from store-bought options. There are many resources available online for homemade dog food recipes, so do some research and give it a try!

Use Non-toxic Grooming and Pest Protection Methods

Pesticides and chemicals used in grooming products can be harmful to both pets and the environment. To be more eco friendly, choose natural or organic grooming products and look for pest protection methods that use fewer chemicals.

Reduce Your Plastic Use Where You Can

Plastic is a major contributor to pollution and waste, so reducing your use of it is important for the environment. When it comes to your dog, look for alternatives to plastic toys, bowls, and leashes. Consider using a metal water bowl, a biodegradable lead, or a toy made from natural materials.

Recycled Doghouse

If you’re in the market for a new doghouse, consider one made from recycled materials. Not only will you be helping the environment by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill, but you’ll also be supporting a sustainable business.

Bonus Tips: More Ways to Be an Eco Friendly Pet Owner

If you are an animal lover like us, you might have more than just your furry friend. So here are a few bonus tips on how you can be an eco-friendly dog owner and a planet hero for all of your pets.  

Adopt Don’t Shop!

One of the most impactful ways to be an eco friendly pet owner is to adopt a rescue dog or pet rather than buying from a breeder or pet store. Not only are you giving a deserving dog a second chance, but you’re also helping to reduce the demand for puppy mills and other inhumane breeding practices.

Choose Biodegradable Cat Litter

To be an eco friendly cat owner, consider switching to biodegradable cat litter. Biodegradable litter is made from natural materials such as corn, wheat, pine, or recycled paper, and it breaks down in the environment more quickly than traditional litter. It can also be more economical in the long run, as it breaks down more quickly and needs to be changed less often. By choosing biodegradable cat litter, you can help reduce your cat’s impact on the environment and protect the planet for future generations.

Use Your Fish Water On The Garden

Instead of throwing your fish’s water down the drain, it can be a valuable source of nutrients for your greenery. 

Conclusion

As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to do our part to protect the planet. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can be an eco friendly dog owner and make a paw-sitive impact on the environment. From walking instead of driving to choosing sustainable pet products, there are many ways to be more eco conscious.

In this article, we covered ways to be an eco friendly dog owner by reducing your carbon paw-print, choosing sustainable pet products, and supporting eco friendly businesses. We hope you found this information helpful and are inspired to make a few changes in your own pet care routine.

Next steps? Why not try incorporating a few of these tips into your pet care routine and see how it goes? Every little bit helps, and together we can make a difference for our furry friends and the planet.

Leave a comment below if you have any other ideas and ways to be an eco friendly dog owner. We’d love to hear from you!